COVID-19 has been at the forefront of our minds now for a while, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon. Metal fabricators have an opportunity to help in this area of current need if they can think outside the box and get creative to meet the additional needs that medical equipment companies, hospitals, manufacturers, retailers, and even individuals are experiencing during this time.

Two areas of key focus during this pandemic are automation and employee safety.

Well-established metal fabricators know how to design, create, and install automation infrastructure. Creating products that can be done by automation is key to generating products efficiently and quickly to provide our communities with the help they need. From basic conveyor and shelving systems for retailers to high-tech, autonomous systems for manufacturers, metal fabrication and millwork are key to bringing it all together.  Operational efficiency is paramount when it comes to creating product assembly lines, especially at a time when limiting human handling and face-to-face interaction has never been more important.  

COVID-19 has also caused manufacturers, retailers, and service providers to rethink employee and customer health and exposure in ways not previously considered. Custom metal fabrication is being increasingly relied on to create solutions as varied as:

• design-savvy restaurant booth partitions;

• movable barriers for separating and protecting line staff;

• railings to direct one-way foot traffic;

• antimicrobial copper plating for work surfaces and touchpoints;

• material handling carts and conveyors for no-contact product delivery; and

• structural elements, such as drive-through awnings and loading docks, to ensure safe service.

This is a time of great need, and the metal fabrication industry has a lot of great minds coming together to help our communities. Metal fabricators, such as those at Sattler Manufacturing, collaborate to bring unparalleled innovation and attention to detail. These resources are  finding solutions to industrial and commercial setbacks caused by COVID-19, including not having enough tools, not enough hands on deck, and inefficient or unsafe production issues. At this time, we’re all needed to solve the pandemic of COVID-19. And, no matter how big or small, we’re grateful for the opportunity to help our clients keep their businesses moving forward.